People encouraged to report child abuse suspicions

People across Shropshire are being encouraged to help tackle child abuse by reporting any suspicions of child abuse or neglect.

The call comes as part of national campaign being launched across the country today (3 March 2016) following Professor Alexis Jay’s report on child sexual exploitation (CSE) in Rotherham.

In 2014/15, more than 400,000 children in England were supported because someone noticed they needed help.

However, latest research by the Department for Education in July 2015 found that 42% of the public are put off reporting suspected child abuse because they think they might be wrong, and that 27% (22% in the West Midlands region) would wait until they were absolutely certain abuse or neglect was taking place before making a report.

Meanwhile 37% of people (35% in the West Midlands) said they would find reporting child abuse and neglect more challenging than delivering news about the death of a friend or family member.

In Shropshire people are being urged to overcome their doubts and fears and report suspected child abuse and neglect to Shropshire Council’s children’s social care team.

David Minnery, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for children and young people, said:

“Together, we can tackle child abuse. All children have a right to be safe and we all have a role to play in protecting children and young people from child abuse and neglect.

“A third of people who suspect child abuse do nothing. A number of people do not act on their suspicions because they’re worried about being wrong.

“You don’t have to be absolutely certain about whether a child is being abused; if you have a feeling that something’s not right, talk to us and we can look into it.”

Karen Bradshaw, director of children’s services, said:

“Everyone has a role to play in protecting children and young people from child abuse and neglect. Teachers, social workers, health professionals and the police all play an important role in safeguarding and protecting children, but the public has an important role to play too. The public are in a unique position to spot concerns of abuse and neglect among children and young people they have contact with in their daily lives. If more people share their concerns with our social care team, children and families can be helped earlier.”

If you’re worried about a child, or suspect child abuse or neglect, call Shropshire Council as soon as possible on 0345 678 9021 or visit www.gov.uk/report-child-abuse.

Further information

How to spot the signs of child abuse and neglect

To spot the signs of child abuse or neglect, look for changes in:

• Appearance – such as frequent unexplained injuries, consistently poor hygiene, matted hair, unexplained gifts, or a parent regularly collecting children from school when drunk
• Behaviour – such as demanding or aggressive behavior, frequent lateness or absence from school, avoiding their own family, misusing drugs or alcohol, or being constantly tired
• Communication – such as sexual or aggressive language, self-harming, becoming secretive and reluctant to share information or being overly obedient.

About this campaign

The Department for Education is paying for activity to be delivered in 33 local authorities in the West Midlands and Outer London – these areas have been selected due to their demographics, diverse communities and geographical spread.

The campaign aims to change perceptions about reporting child abuse and neglect, establish a new social norm that encourages the public to report suspicions of child abuse and neglect to their local children’s social care whilst addressing the significant barriers that prevent the public from doing this currently.

The Department for Education has invested up to £1m for this campaign. Tackling child abuse and neglect is a priority for the government.

To hear a radio advert produced to support this campaign, click here to visit our Soundcloud page.

About the research

George & Dragon and ICM Unlimited interviewed a representative sample of 2,504 GB adults aged 18+. Fieldwork was conducted online between 10 and 30 July 2015